Architecture BA(Hons)

International requirements and visas

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visas and immigration advice

Portfolio advice 

Admission to this course involves reviewing your portfolio. After you apply, we will ask you to share a link to an online portfolio of your work. This enables us to see your potential and understand your approach and motivations.

We will ask you to log on to Student View to share your portfolio link. We will not be able to progress your application to Brighton until you share your portfolio.

• Find out about the specific requirements for your course.

Creating your portfolio
We’ve put together advice and guidance to help you create and share your portfolio and we run regular online portfolio advice sessions where you can get help from our expert team.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Friendly studio environment, working in collaboration with other students from all years of the degree to develop your creative voice.
• Accredited by the Architects Registration Board and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

• Our links with RIBA South East provide opportunities including mentoring and mock interviews with practising architects. 
• Develop real-world skills, learning through projects with local communities and from the construction of our annual exhibition pavilion.
• Learn with a course team of practising architects, researchers and designers who’ll inspire you to explore diverse fields in your work.
• Showcase your work throughout the course, culminating in the end of year show.
• Focus on the issues that matter to you and develop your own attitudes as an architect and designer.
• Combine making, drawing and building with high-level academic conceptual and theoretical work.

Warning
The following video contains bright, flashing lights and/or imagery that may cause discomfort and/or seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

Structure and study areas 

One of the amazing things about studying architecture is how broad a subject it can be. It’s not just a combination of art and science, it’s a fusion of all kinds of different ways of thinking and making. You will work in a way that is both hands-on and academically rigorous, combining critical and creative thinking in everything you do.

The course is organised into four subject areas: design studio, humanities, technology and professional practices.

Design Studio

You will be supported by specialist practitioners and researchers, benefitting from their expert insight. Dedicated studio spaces mean that you have a space to work from every day throughout your degree, so you will be able to maximise the ambition of your work.

Humanities

Explore the history, theory and culture of architecture. You will do this in relation to contemporary issues, learning from history, not just about it. You will build knowledge of the context in which you are working as well as specialising in an area of particular interest to you. You’ll develop skills in critical thinking and reflection that will feed into all your studies. 

Technology

You’ll learn the underlying principles of environmental science, structural engineering and material systems, and apply these to your own design projects. You will be supported by professional architects who will share their knowledge of innovative approaches to constructing a building.

Professional Practices

Prepare for the roles and responsibilities you will have as an architect. You’ll apply aspects such as building regulations, cost control and planning permission to your own project so you are ready for your first job.

Year 1 

You’ll begin by studying two modules (humanities and design) that introduce you to the culture of architecture, leading to the production of a small design and essay. Study then builds on the core design skills through slightly larger and more complex design problems in studio while introducing key technological principles.

Modules

• Introducing Architecture

  This module introduces you to some of the core architectural skills which will form a part of your design toolkit to serve you as you progress through this course. These include things like measuring, drawing, model-making, scale, case studies, building components, ICT, spatial and structural principles, ergonomics and graphical presentation. The module will include group learning and independent work, culminating in a small independent design project.

• Architecture Criticism 1

  On this module you will be introduced to the major themes relevant to interior architecture, architecture and spacial design disciplines. You’ll explore these themes through contemporary and historical case studies, making connections between the old and the new and considering the cultural, environmental and social values embedded in the disciplines. Workshop activities will help you to develop your critical thinking and communication skills.

• Technology: Principles

  This module introduces the structural systems, construction methods, materials and environmental performance requirements that are fundamental to high-quality spatial design and architecture. You will explore technological principles that are relevant to sustainable and climate responsive design to develop your appreciation and understanding of various technologies as essential design tools for architectural and spatial design.

• Architectural Design

  This module will enable you to consolidate, expand and develop the skills of case study analysis, drawing, model-making, spatial design and ICT you gained in the Introducing Architecture module. This work will include independent research and context recognition, building analysis, 2D and 3D representation, iterative design, graphical representation and portfolio presentation as part of the development of an architectural design project from site survey through to final proposal.

Year 2 

Modules

• Design Studio: Context

  In this module you will conduct a spatial exploration in response to issues introduced by a brief which will revolve around ideas of context, with a focus on buildings which employ re-use, recycling and retrofit strategies. You will take an element of your design project, for example a staircase, and develop it in further detail, taking into consideration current Building Regulations. You’ll then produce a 3D BIM CAD model of this design element.

• Technology: Strategies

  This module covers systems and materials that are fundamental to spatial design/architecture and construction today. You will explore strategies around environmental performance, material selection, construction methods, structures and sustainable design practice. The aim is to cultivate your appreciation of technology, construction, systems and materials and to be able to apply these in your design practice and building analysis.

• Vertical Design Studio 1

  Working in one of several thematically diverse studios, you will develop your investigations towards the design of a small to medium-sized building. Your proposal should respond to specific issues raised by you and your studio, including ideas from previous projects, the needs of building users and other stakeholders, and the relation to the local context.

• Architecture Criticism 2

  This module provides you with an overview of contemporary global concerns in interior architecture, architecture and spatial design. You will explore the different ways these disciplines constitute and relate to social, economic, cultural and environmental concerns more broadly, and how they draw on and inform other disciplines and professions. You’ll develop your skills of critical thinking through analysis and research by participating in seminars and workshops.

At the start of the second year, the studio focus on retrofit and re-use is supported by the technology module. You’ll be introduced to current critical debates and begin to prepare for the research part of your dissertation.

In the second half of the year you will choose from projects (studios) that follow different briefs and methodologies, and address challenges including the housing crisis, circular economy and urban space. These studios allow you to explore different ways of working and develop new techniques and skills.

Final year

You will work on a design project incorporating technological strategies and detailed drawings of your proposal. You’ll integrate technological strategies with a design project, addressing environmental performance, material selection, construction methods, structure and sustainable design.

The humanities dissertation is based on a self-defined research project to help you identify areas you want to specialise in.

Your studies will culminate in your final project which you will showcase at the graduate show.

Modules

• Design and Technology

  This module involves a design project based on a common year brief in which you will develop a conceptual and critical approach through the spatial exploration of a building. You will integrate technological strategies, addressing environmental performance, material selection, construction methods, structure and sustainable design. You will also develop a detailed design for the construction of an element of a final design project.

• Architecture Criticism 3

  In this module, you will plan, undertake and finalise comprehensive research into a subject, theme or issue within the field of interior architecture, architecture and/or spatial design that aligns with your course. Through self-directed investigative research, predominantly using written and visual resources, you will gain in-depth knowledge and establish a critically reflective position on your chosen subject.

• Professional Practices

  In this module you will integrate issues surrounding professional architectural practice using a design project to consider all RIBA Plan of Work stages. This will involve the presentation and discussion of topics based around how professional architects work. You will be provided with material focused on the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part 1 Prescription so you can develop a reflective position on your own design project in the context of professional practice.

• Vertical Design Studio 2

  Working in one of several studios which emphasise different architectural themes through varied forms of spatial exploration and use of media, you will develop your investigations towards the design of a building proposal. Your proposal should respond to issues including the needs and aspirations of building users and other stakeholders, technological principles and strategies, and theoretical and conceptual considerations.

Facilities 

Facilities and workshops are supported by full-time specialist technicians and include:

• dedicated studio spaces for each group and programme
• specialist model-making and construction workshops with equipment for fabrication in wood, metal, plastics, resins and textiles
• photographic studios and darkroom
• digital fabrication facilities including laser cutting and 3D printing
• rapid prototyping, 5-axis milling and CNC routing facilities
• PC and Mac computer suites with software including Adobe suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Vectorworks, Autodesk suite, Rhino, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D and Premiere
• in-house reprographic department 
• wide range of surveying and audiovisual equipment available for loan.

Meet the team

Student views

Zenida Fernandes, Architecture BA(Hons) graduate 2023

“I am excited to use my skills and knowledge as an undergraduate student to contribute to the creation of new ideas that will improve and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them.  

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at the University of Brighton. The tutors are very knowledgeable, helpful and are great at guiding you in the right direction with your projects. The university facilities are excellent and I was able to make use of the library and on-campus workshop which has helped me to expand my knowledge and develop my model-making skills.”

Nasko Kondakov, Architecture BA(Hons) graduate 2023

“The course prepared me for precisely what’s ahead of me – collaboration with the nature surrounding us all. In a world where sustainability and environmentalism are taking centre stage, studying architecture at Brighton equipped me with the skills necessary to have a head start in the revamping industry. 

“I learned a lot about spatial experiences, material consciousness and design processes – aspects of the profession which I will forever treasure. I’m excited to see what comes next.”

Zenida Fernandes’ final year project, Urban Oasis, was influenced by the routes around Lewes, England, which served as a driving force in its conception.

A cross-section of Nasko Kondakov’s final year project.

Summer shows

At the end of every academic year, the School of Architecture and Design comes alive with creativity, celebration, and community spirit at our annual Architecture and Design Summer Show. This vibrant event marks the culmination of months of hard work, innovation, and exploration by our talented students and offers a glimpse into the future of architecture and design.

Click the image below to take a virtual wander and explore our students’ creative work.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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